Paul continues building his case to the Galatians for why they should listen to him as opposed to these others who were preaching a different gospel. This is a line of argument which has occurred in many forums of men throughout the ages. Who is right? Whose book is right? Do Christians have God’s book or do the Muslims have it? Is it the Bible or the Koran? Maybe they are both wrong, maybe the Mormons have it. Maybe the Book of Mormon is the right book. The discussions go back and forth like a ping pong ball at the Olympics. Paul was involved in such a discussion with the Galatians. Is the Gospel of grace that Paul is preaching the right gospel, or is it the gospel of works that the Judaizers are preaching?

[Tweet “Paul states that his message came from THE MOST CREDIBLE SOURCE EVER, the Lord Jesus Christ.”]

Galatians 1:11–12 (KJV) — 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Revelation from Jesus Is the Difference Maker

• In Galatians 1:8, Paul has already declared that if an angel comes preaching a different gospel than that angel is cursed.
• So, Paul didn’t receive the gospel from an angel.
• Here in verse twelve, he informs us that he didn’t receive it from a human vessel either.
• Paul did not receive the gospel he preached from angel or man, supernatural God created being or human God created being.
• In the rest of chapter one, he goes to great lengths to prove to the Galatians and to you and I as it were, that his gospel did not come from any human agency.
• The source of His gospel is Jesus Christ.
• The vehicle by which he received it?
  • Revelation.
• The Revelation of Jesus Christ is the difference maker.
• What is the reason for these two verses at this point in Paul’s letter?
• Paul is giving us the source of his teaching.
• It is the source which gives credibility.
• Paul is almost name-dropping here.
  • Years ago there was a Merrill Lynch commercial which when something like this, ‘When Merril Lynch talks, people listen.’
  • If I shared some financial tips with you and told you that I received those tips directly from Warren Buffet, would you be inclined to perk your ears up?
  • Counter that thought with a lawyer who is hindered because his witness is an ex-convict.
  • The ex-convict may absolutely be telling the truth but it’s to no avail because his long shadow darkens his credibility.
  • At one point in my life, I was called to testify as a witness in a trial of a friend who was accused of committing a robbery.
  • This man could not have committed the robbery because we were at a birthday party together at the time of the incident.
  • The defense used the fact that I was a minister to give special credibility to my testimony.
• The point is credibility speaks loudly.
• Lack of it is as silent as a mute.
• Paul is saying to the Galatians, ‘Listen up now, the message that I am teaching came from THE MOST CREDIBLE SOURCE EVER, the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Paul goes on to strongly imply that, ‘The stuff you boys are listening to, this legalistic gospel, did not come from the most credible source. Your sources are absolutely earth-bound inferior. I might as well be listening to an ex-cons testimony for all it matters.’
• Paul says, ‘What I’ve received came by divine revelation.
• What the Judaizers received did not come from any revelation.’
• The word revelation means a communication of knowledge (previously hidden) to man by a divine or supernatural agency; especially communications that proceed from God or Christ.
• Paul wants the Galatians to know this truth.
• That’s why he used the word ‘certify’.
• ‘I certify you brethren on this matter of my source material’
• The Greek word ‘certify’ means to cause to know something.

The Use of Revelation As A Badge of Spirituality

• On the flip side of this, there definitely has been an abuse in some circles of this word revelation.
• Some say, “I’ve received a revelation, when in fact what they are communicating is their level of spirituality.
• As a general rule, those who tout their own spirituality are general very carnal, baby-like or flesh-ruled believers.
• You hear some constantly say… ‘I have this experience.’ ‘I prophesied.’ ‘The Lord used ME.’ ‘The Lord said this or the Holy Spirit said that to ME.’ ‘I knew that.’
• It’s an avalanche of I or ME.

John 7:18 (NKJV) — 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.

• Jesus said if you’re speaking from an ‘I or me’ standpoint, you are doing it to seek your own glory.
• The word ‘glory’ here is in the sense of honor.
• The self-glory seeker is seeking for self-honor.
• The Greek word for ‘glory’ means honor understood as a positive acknowledgment, recognition, or esteem of someone’s character, nature, or attributes.
• If you are speaking from yourself of yourself your seeking self-glorification.
• It never should be I or Me but it always should be Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
• The New Testament does not emphasize the individual spirituality of those who receive revelations.
• You never see them stick out there chest to say, ‘See, how spiritual I am. I have a revelation.’
• It is not a badge that you hang on your lapel.
• The only reason Paul tells us that the gospel which he received came by revelation is that he is trying desperately to help the Galatians against the death lifestyle of legalism.
• The potential salvation, freedom, and deliverance of others are the reason for Paul’s line.
• Remember, Paul didn’t have to tell us these things about himself.
• He chose to for freedom’s sake.
• In the end, the most important thing is not that an individual was spiritual enough to receive a revelation.
• The essential matter is WHAT DID THE REVELATION SAY OR REVEAL.
• Because, one word from God, one revealing thought from the Lord can change your life, your family, your city, your state, your nation, and your world forever.

Call to Action:

In Ephesians chapter one, Paul prayed that the Ephesians would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation from God. If Paul prayed that for the Ephesian church, then it’s right for you as a member of the same church to pray this same prayer for yourself.

Question: How important to your life is the day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year revelation ministry of the Holy Spirit? Please share your comments from your heart in the comments section below.